Exhibition

Evolution of Print: Artists of Kala

For over three decades, the Kala Art Institute has fostered artistic innovation and excellence through artist-in-residence and fellowship programs that attract regional, national, and international artists. The range of media supported by Kala's facilities includes printmaking, photography, book arts, digital media, and video. The 24 artists featured in this exhibition are representative of Kala’s diverse artistic community and the important creative production made possible through its efforts.

Archana Horsting and Yuzo Nakano founded Kala in 1974 as an international workshop devoted to the art of traditional printmaking. Located in the former Heinz Ketchup Factory in West Berkeley, Kala has expanded its vision to include other media and new technology. The equipment made available to artists and students is extraordinary and would be out of reach for an individual. Within this multidisciplinary atmosphere, artists have the rare opportunity to exchange ideas, collaborate, and experiment freely with specialized media.

Space in the highly competitive residency and fellowship programs is awarded on an annual basis to over a hundred artists. Kala increases exposure of their work through exhibitions, public programming, and educational outreach. The curriculum-based Artists-in-Schools program connects resident and fellow artists with public school students in Berkeley, Emeryville, and Oakland.

Kala serves approximately 25,000 people a year. The diversity of artists and ways of working supported by Kala greatly benefits the cultural life of Northern California and beyond.